Toxic algae closes Oakland’s Lake Temescal

OAKLAND — Officials have closed one of Oakland’s most popular swimming holes indefinitely because of a rare toxic algae bloom that poses health risks to people and dogs.

The Oakland Tribune reported Thursday that the East Bay Regional Park District closed public access to Lake Temescal last week after tests discovered toxic blue-green algae blooms in the water.

District water management supervisor Hal MacLean says the tests showed levels above safety standards for the first time in recent memory. The tests contained high levels of the toxin microcystin, which can cause rashes, vomiting and flu-like symptoms.

Park officials say they don’t know what caused the toxic algae outbreak, which is now in its third week.